MANILA, May 27 — Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Monday said she hopes that the parallel investigation conducted by the Philippines and Taiwan will repair the strain relations between the two countries.

"With the mutual or reciprocal visits of the Philippines and Taiwanese teams, it is expected that their respective separate investigations will be concluded soon and hopefully put closure to the factual issues surrounding the incident," De Lima said in a statement.

"What is being demonstrated is the spirit of cooperation and openness between Philippines and Taiwanese authorities which can contribute, to a significant degree, to the restoration of normalcy of PH-Taiwan relations," De Lima added.

With the death of fisherman Hung Shih-Cheng last May 9, the country's relation with Taiwan was strained putting at risk the overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan.

The National Bureau of Investigation team of probers is expected to stay in Taiwan for three days to inspect the fishing vessel and interview its crew but subject to adjustment as needed, NBI Director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas said.

On the other hand, the Taiwanese probers are also in the country to conduct ballistic examination and inspect the vessel used by the Philippine Coast Guard during the Balintang Channel incident. (PNA)